Pharrell Williams has publicly acknowledged that he is no longer in contact with his longtime collaborator Chad Hugo. This revelation comes in the wake of a legal dispute that began earlier in the year, when Hugo filed a lawsuit against Pharrell concerning the rights to the Neptunes name. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pharrell expressed his thoughts about their current relationship by stating, "I always wish him the absolute best." However, he confirmed their lack of communication with a straightforward, "No," affirming the personal distance between the two.
Despite the estrangement, Pharrell conveyed a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the experiences they've shared over the years. The Neptunes, the production duo formed by Williams and Hugo in 1992, has left an indelible mark on the music landscape, producing a plethora of hits across various genres. They also founded the band N.E.R.D. in 1994.
Hugo's legal action suggests that he believes Williams has sought sole control over the Neptunes trademark without his consent, which could breach their long-standing agreement to equal sharing of assets. A representative for Williams stated that he was surprised by the lawsuit, asserting that the trademark filings aimed to protect their joint interests and ensure mutual consent in any decisions regarding the name.
Despite the ongoing legal situation, reports indicate that Chad Hugo continues to be involved in Pharrell's upcoming LEGO biopic, "Piece By Piece," set to premiere on October 11 in the U.S. and November 8 in the UK. This film delves into Pharrell's life and career, showcasing his collaborations with Hugo, Snoop Dogg, and Gwen Stefani. For more on the biopic and the lawsuit, visit NME.